Trinidad woman footballer lands pro contract in US

Washington: A Trinidad and Tobago woman has created history by becoming the first footballer from the Caribbean to secure a contract with US’ top flight National Women’s Soccer League.

Striker Kennya Cordner has landed a contract with Washington’s Seattle Reign FC after a successful stint with the club’s reserve team.

The 24-year-old T and T international has been handed an uphill task of helping to lift the club from the bottom of the eight-team table in the league’s inaugural season, with 12 matches remaining.

“To be honest I prayed for this day all my life. And, yes I am excited to represent this club to the best of my ability. I want to prove that signing me was worth it,” said Cordner a two-time T and T female footballer of the year.

“Also, (by) my being the first ever Caribbean female footballer to earn a pro contract in the US also (gives me) a great feeling, (and it’s) not only for me but for my country.”

Cordner, a Tobago native, wooed Reign FC’s staff after scoring and providing an assist in her debut with the reserve team.

The Trinidadian footballer enjoyed a run of four goals in three matches and was given an opportunity to shine in a team which has struggled to score this season.

With 10 matches played, Reign sits in the cellar position with one draw and nine successive losses.